Copy.
Jo. 11684
1904.
Sir:-
CUSTOM HOUSE,
LONDON.
22 JUN 04
18th June, 1904.
I am directed by the Board of Customs to acquaint you, for the information of the Secretary of State, that they have been informed by their Collector at Cardiff that in regard to the s."Jesmond", which cleared from that Port on the 14th instant for Hong Kong with a cargo of coal, there was a rumour that the vessel would not return to this country, the inference being that she had been or was to be sold abroad.
The Board accordingly caused inquiries to be made in London, of the managing owner of the vessel, Mr. E. H. Watts, of Messrs. Watts, Watts, and Company, 7, Whittington Avenue, Leadenhall Street, E.C., who has stated that the vessel is bound for Hong Kong with a full cargo of coal, and that she will then proceed to Japan where she will be sold
Under Secretary of State,
Foreign Office.